May 2006
News from the
Southeast Region Civil Air Patrol
Col John Tilton, Commander
IN THIS ISSUE
Administration ...............12
Aerospace Education .....19
Alabama .........................8, 12, 13, 18
Cadets ............................5
Chaplains .......................6
NASA Celebrates 25th Anniversary of Shuttle Launch
by 1st Lt Kelly Green Sharkey and
1st Lt Vic Casella
Twenty Five years ago I [Kelly]
went on the educational trip of a
lifetime. My
grandparents
drove my
half-sister and
me down to
Titusville to
watch the
launch of the
first space
shuttle.
Com-
manded by STS-1 lifts off
astronaut John
Young, a veteran of both the Gem-
ini and Apollo programs, and pi-
loted by Robert Crippen, STS-1
marked the first time a spacecraft,
designed to be reused, launched.
Thousands of other space fans
and families from around the state,
and around the world, gathered to
see the launch at Pad A, Launch
Complex 39, at Kennedy Space
Center, April 12, 1981.
A first attempt at launch, two
days previous, was scrubbed be-
cause of a timing skew in one of
the computer systems. Those of us
waiting had no idea that both Crip-
pen and Young felt certain the de-
lay would be the first of many. As
test pilots, both were familiar with
problems and pauses in any new
vehicle’s first flight. Crippen, at T
ReCAP
Florida............................ 5, 8, 18
Georgia .......................... 9
History ........................... 15
Medical .......................... 6
Mississippi..................... 5
minus one minute, told Young “I
think we’re going to do it today!”
Surprised, but thrilled to be getting
on with their history-making
flight, the astro-
nauts made final
preparations and
readied themselves
for a ride of a life-
time.
Crippen’s heart rate
began to rise to 130
beats per minute
(BPM). His eyes
were wide open. He
then looked over at
the commander again, and
Young’s heart rate was only 90
BPM. Crippen thought that since
Young was a veteran astronaut, he
was real cool about this launch.
Young quickly responded that the
only reason his heart rate was so
low, is because he is old. “I could
not get it to beat any faster!” he
joked.
“The ride uphill was pretty
loud,” said Crippen, “and there
was a lot of vibration.” But when
the solid rocket motors separated,
it became real quiet and smooth.
Crippen had to look at the instru-
ment panel to verify that the three
main engines were still working.
The mission was only two days
long, and at the post-flight brief-
ing, they reported that the vehicle
performance was pretty close to
Operations ..................... 16
Public Affairs ................ 14
Puerto Rico.................... 4, 12
Recruiting ...................... 6
Tennessee ...................... 7, 8, 9, 12
Photo by 1st Lt Kelly Green Sharkey
John Young and Bob Crippen share a
light moment with KSC visitors
what the engineers predicted.
Young and Crippen said the
space shuttle was a very good ve-
hicle and that no other vehicle can
do what it does. Looking into the
next generation spacecraft, how-
ever, NASA will need to have a
vehicle that can be aborted during
the launch, de-orbit, and landing
phases of flight. The space shuttle
does not have that capability.
Say Young and Crippen , “By
continuing with our endeavors to
travel in space, new technologies
will be developed and new re-
sources will be found.”
For those of us destined to re-
main earthbound, our job is to
support spaceflight and continue
to educate the next generation.
Commander’s C
Comments

A Word from the SER Commander Quote of the month:

“The men and women
We’ve had a busy month. The Wing Conferences I’ve attended have been who have the right
great and I’ve enjoyed getting to meet so many new faces in the region and,
of course, seeing my old friends. I am pleased with the turnout the confer- ideals...are those who
ences enjoyed and congratulate all who ensured participants had a meaning- have the courage to
ful activity. Congratulations, also, to the many award winners. strive for the happiness
One consistent theme from each conference was the desire to increase our
membership and work on retention of members. I’m sure, if we all work to-
which comes only with
gether, we can accomplish this, and so much more in the coming weeks, labor and effort and
months, and years. self-sacrifice, and
As I stated in the last newsletter, my vision for the Southeast Region will those whose joy in life
be to focus its energies in support of our Wings, other Regions and the entire
Civil Air Patrol. I hope we can Guide Help Exercise springs in part from
The Southeast Region Staff will concentrate its efforts in the areas of power of work and
Standardization and Mutual support between the SER Wings. sense of duty.”
There is a change in the SER Staff Meeting. The new date is Saturday, —Theodore Roosevelt
24 June 2006 at the Cabot Lodge, Tallahassee, FL. The meeting will start at
0830 hrs and should conclude by 1700 hrs.
A block of rooms have been reserved at the Cabot Lodge for the nights of Happy Birthday
23 and 24 June, at a rate of $75.00 a night. This includes a deluxe continental Staff Members
breakfast, and a evening beverage reception in the lobby. Sally Bilotto, 5/3
The Cabot Lodge is located at 1653 Raymond Diehl Road, Tallahassee, Samuel Andreasen, 5/7
next to I-75. Call the Lodge at 850-386-7500 to make your reservation. The William Crowley, 5/7
block is listed under US Air Force Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol. The rate Bill Brockman, 5/9
is guaranteed until 9 June 2006. Ralph McBride, 5/13
John Moore, 5/15
After that date the rate will become space available. Darlene Ferris, 5/17
There will be a shuttle service from and to the Tallahassee Airport to the Wes Hannah, 5/23
hotel provided by the Tallahassee Squadron. If you need transportation from Jorge Del Rio, 5/25
the airport let Col Brockman know your arrival and departure times. Frank Basile, 5/29
Vickie Meyer, 5/29
Mark Your Calendar May Service Anniversaries
5-7 May FLWG Conference, Orlando Bill Brockman 9 Years
24 June-1 July MSWG /ALWG Encampment, Gulf Port Jennifer Sevin 10 Years
24 June SER Staff Meeting, Tallahassee, FL Stanley Brock 12 Years
Ronald Howard 40 Years
Dutchie Riggsby 45 Years
Ernest Riggsby 45 Years
Ronald Greene 53 Years

2 May 2006 Region ReCAP

Legendary pilot dies in crash
Scott Crossfield was an aviation pioneer, CAP aerospace education advocate
By Capt Paige Joyner
The 1960 Cessna 210A aircraft,
belonging to Col A. Scott Cross-
field of Herndon, Va., was located
by Georgia Wing. The Wing con-
ducted air and ground searches
along the flight path and located
the crash site in Gilmer
County. There were no survivors.
Crossfield was on a flight from
Prattville, AL, to Manassas, VA,
Wednesday morning April 19
when the aircraft disappeared from
radar in north Georgia.
Crossfield, 84, was born in
Berkeley, CA on Oct. 2, 1921.
Although best known for his role
as a legendary test pilot, he was a
strong supporter of the Civil Air
Patrol and, in particular, CAP’s
aerospace education program. He
created the A. Scott Crossfield
Aerospace Education Teacher of
the Year Award to recognize and
Crossfied in cockpit of the Douglas D-558-2
after first Mach 2 flight
Region ReCAP
reward teachers for outstanding
accomplishments in aerospace
education and for their dedication
to the students they teach. The
Scott Crossfield Award for senior
members is CAP’s highest award
in aerospace education.
At his 80th birthday in
2001, Crossfield was still flying
200 hours per year as an instru-
ment rated private pilot.
In 1950 Crossfield joined
NASA’s predecessor, the National
Advisory Committee for Aeronau-
tics, and was a research pilot for
the next five years at the High
Speed Flight Research Station at
Edwards Air Force Base, CA
Crossfield was the test pilot for
numerous research aircraft, includ-
ing the X-1, X-4, X-5, XF-92, the Col Scott Crossfield delivered the key-
D-558-I and D-558-II while at Ed- note address on Dec. 20, 2005 at the
wards. annual Wright Brothers Memorial Din-
On Nov. 20, 1953, he set four ner in Oshkosh, WI
speed records be-
fore becoming the are now displayed in flight muse-
first man to reach ums -- The Smithsonian National
Mach 2 (twice the Air and Space Museum’s Mile-
speed of sound) in stones of Flight Gallery includes
the air-launched, the #1 X-15 and the #2 Skyrocket.
rocket-propelled Crossfield also flew the #2 Bell
D-558- X-1, the sister ship of the #1
2. Crossfield “Glamorous Glennis,” which also
capped his distin- hangs in the same gallery. Cross-
guished test pilot field additionally was a fighter
career as the gunnery instructor in the US Navy
NASA program during World War II.
manager and first Among his countless honors,
project pilot on the Crossfield received the Lawrence
X-15 rocket pow- Sperry Award, Octave Chanute
ered research air- Award, Iven C. Kincheloe Award,
craft, taking the Harmon International Trophy and
aircraft to the the Collier Trophy. He was in-
fringes of outer ducted into the National Aviation
space. Hall of Fame in 1983, the Interna-
It is possible that tional Space Hall of Fame in 1988,
no other test pilot and the Aerospace Walk of Honor
in aviation history in 1990.
has test flown as
Capt Joyner is the Director of Public
many aircraft that Affairs, GAWG
May 2006 3
Heredia Assumes GAWG
Command By Capt Paige Joyner
The Georgia Wing completed the change of com-
mand in a ceremony during the Wing’s annual statewide
conference held this year in Jekyll Island, GA. Colonel
Guillermo “Willie” Heredia, Jr. of McDonough, GA
assumed the command in a military ceremony. In atten-
dance for the change of command were Lt Gen Nicho-
las B. Kehoe, USAF-Ret, and Chairperson for Board of
Governor, Maj Gen Antonio Pineda, National Com-
mander, and State Representative Barry Loudermilk. Lt
Maj Gen Tony Pineda changes rank insignia on Col Willie
Col James Hughes, of Conyers is the new Vice Com- Heredia, as proud and supportive wife, Susan, looks on.
mander and Lt Col Crowe, of Atlanta is the new Chief
of Staff.

PRWG Gives Squadron celebrates 25 years,

O-Rides
By Maj Sonia Sota
On April 22nd approximately 14
cadets received cadet orientation
flights and impromptu Flight
Line course at the Caribbean
Flight Center in St. Croix. The
pilots who attended were: Capt.
Luis Luhring, 1st Lt Yamil San-
chez, 1st Lt Francisco Matias and
C/Lt Col Jose Rafols, the first ca-
det pilot on the island. Also join-
ing us was Capt Juan Garcia,
medical.
At St. Croix we had the pleasure
of meeting and working with SM's
Murren,Scipio and Michael along
with SM Elliot Reid who helped
coordinate the eventful trip.
appoints new commander
By Lt Col Richard Niess
At the Marco Island Squadron’s
Silver Anniversary commemora-
tion, Lt Col Lee Henderson as-
sumed command from the outgo-
ing commander, Maj Lee J. Frank.
Ninety five members and guests
attended the celebratory banquet,
held Apr. 10 at Marco Presbyterian
Church. Many distinguished guests
were in attendance, including
County Commissioner Donna
Fiala, FLWG Commander Col Dan
Levitch, and several of the 14 com- Lt Col Lee Henderson
manders who have led the squad-
ron since its charter in 1981. The hurricanes. Col Levitch then con-
keynote was delivered by Col ducted a formal Change of Com-
Levitch, who commended the vari- mand ceremony, with outgoing
ous individuals who demonstrated Squadron Commander, Maj Leon
leadership and dedication to the J. Frank passing the colors to the
CAP missions, and who have per- new Commander, Lt Col Lee Hen-
formed with distinction in their derson.
volunteer service to the commu-
Lt Col Henderson, an accom-
nity. Homeland Security Commis-
plished aviator, deep ocean acous-
sioner Fiala congratulated the
tics engineer, Navy program man-
squadron on its 25 years of service
ager and community leader, then
to the community. She expressed
delivered his acceptance comments
the thanks and appreciation of Col-
and introduced the new squadron
lier County especially that of the
staff to the assembled guests and
County Emergency Management
members.
Team for the assistance rendered
Lt Col Niess is the PAO, Marco Island
by the Marco Island Civil Air Pa- Squadron
trol members during last year’s

4 May 2006 Region ReCAP

Five FLWG cadets experience flight south
of the equator
By C/TSgt Kelcee Griffis facilities. They observed the pilots at work, and had the
Cadet PAO, Gainesville Composite Squadron privilege of flying with them. “The pilots were very
March 13, 2006 found five Florida Wing CAP cadets safety oriented,” said C/TSgt Griffis, 14. “They went
far from their home country, in a hangar on the other through several pre-flight checks before takeoff, and
side of the equator. Cadet 2 Lt Daniel Freeman, C/2 Lt were very cautious.”
Stephen Freeman, C/SSgt Patrick Freeman, C/TSgt Shell is situated in the Andes moun-
Kelcee Griffis, members of tains, where the average peak eleva-
Gainesville Composite Squadron, tion is 13,000 feet. The cadets found
and C/SrA Daniel Tarasiuk of that flying in these mountains pre-
West Broward Composite Squad- sents unique challenges to the pilots.
ron, were on a mission trip to While flying, C/2 Lt Stephen Free-
Shell, Ecuador. man, 15, noted that the altimeter read
Shell is the hub of a branch of only 300 feet at one point. MAF pilot
an extensive humanitarian flight Dan Whitehead explained, “Since
program, Mission Aviation Fel- we’re in the mountains, we were fly-
lowship. Mission Aviation Fel- ing so high anyway, and to avoid
lowship, or MAF, serves in re- some clouds, we could have either
mote areas, including the rainfor- gone over them, or under them. Going
est surrounding Shell. They de- over the clouds would have been past
liver supplies to isolated mission Cadets Daniel Tarasiuk, Patrick Freeman, the airplane’s ceiling, so going under
stations there, shuttle missionar- Daniel Freeman, Kelcee Griffis, and Stephen them was the only choice.”
ies to and from their outposts, and Freeman in front of an MAF airplane
During their time in Ecuador, the
routinely fly people needing cadets had the opportunity to help
medical attention out of the jungle to receive care. In another individual build two experimental aircraft.
2005 alone, MAF flying saved Christian and humanitar- They helped prepare the airplane bodies for riveting,
ian workers 6,099 days of travel -- the equivalent of 25 and gave riveting a try themselves. They also flew in an
work-years. ultralight experimental aircraft, which the pilot allowed
The cadets received a tour of the MAF hangar and the cadets to fly.

MSWG cadet wins ride in last flyable B-24

By Lt Col Joe Pope U.S. Army Air Force attack of
Cadet/Amn Nathan Bynum of the James S. McKinnie the European campaign was
Composite Squadron was the winner of a squadron es- against the Ploesti, Romania oil
say contest. His prize was a flight in the world’s only fields and was carried out by
flyable, Consolidated-Vultee B-24 Liberator. His squad- brand new B-24s.
ron was given one seat by the Collins Foundation Nathan is 14, a home
aboard their famous warbird “Witchcraft,” when it was schooled 9th grader and the son
scheduled to fly from Birmingham, AL, to Mississippi’s of John and Dawn Bynum, of
Madison Air Field. Pearl, MS. When asked what he
Bynum regards his flight in the Liberator as a once- would remember most from the
in-a-lifetime chance to touch a part of aviation history flight, he said, “the aircraft was Cadet Bynum with
shaking. It was very noisy. A B-24 model
and for him it was an awesome experience to fly in one
of the heavy bombers that helped win World War II. fierce wind blew in the open
The B-24 first took to the air 67 years ago. Almost gun ports, and it was so turbulent I could hardly stand or
19,000 were built by the end of WWII, making it the walk.” He said he could truly imagine what it was like
most produced of all U.S. military aircraft. It saw com- to fly into combat as a Liberator crew member.
bat in both the European and Pacific theaters. The first Lt Col Pope is the squadron PAO

Region ReCAP May 2006 5

From Chaplain
Painter
Color Guard needed
for N. Fla. event
There will be a small parade on
the north side of Jacksonville, near
Trout River on Sat-
urday, May 27 at
9:00 a.m. The par-
ties putting the pa-
rade together are
celebrating their
new property and
have expanded it to
include the Parade
and a Memorial Service for Memo-
rial Day.
As a CAP Chaplain I have been
asked to plan and execute the Me-
morial Service.
The Color Guard would be in the
parade and then be a part of the me-
morial service. Taps will be played
as part of the service. I would ap-
preciate any unit that would like to
put a marching unit together for the
parade.
This will be a small event but
promises to have a lot of good news
coverage. Little things can become
big if done right.
Every opportunity to get CAP
before the public in a favorable
manner is noteworthy. There is talk
going on about forming a CAP
squadron on the north side again
and this would boost those talks.
The Jax Composite Squadron
furnished a Color Guard for the
First Annual Native American Pow
Wow last Saturday in east Jackson-
ville and did and excellent
job. Many fine comments were re-
ceived from those in attendance of
how sharp and professional the ca-
dets looked. Their joining in the
salute to veterans was much appre-
ciated by all.
For more info please email me at
chpainterserdmsp@wmconnect.co
m. Or call my cell at 904-803-9880.
6 May 2006
Recruiting Director Appointed
Col John Tilton, SER Commander, has appointed Lt Col Alfonzo Jackson
of ALWG to the position of Director of Recruiting. Jackson started out his
CAP career in public affairs and career development while
in the GAWG. Jackson also became the first black com-
manding officer of the Augusta Composite Squadron dur-
ing the years of 1992 and 1993.
After moving to Alabama, Jackson became a member of
Birmingham Squadron 34 as the public affairs and recruit-
ing officer. He was later transferred to squadron 90, as
Lt Col Jackson
PAO for the central section of the Wing. During his stay,
he also qualified as an Aerospace Technician. Jackson was later transferred
to ALWG staff to become director of public affairs and recruiting. During
the last change of command for the Wing, he was asked if he would take
command of Kingdom Life Composite Squadron 124 in Talladega, AL, and
in addition to his role as Recruiting Officer. Jackson accepted, and became
the second black commander in ALWG.
Jackson, along with his recruiting assistant, Lt Melody Compton, put to-
gether a recruiting program that provides training for members who would
like to become full-time recruiters. Usually regular service recruiters spend
a total of 7 weeks learning. Jackson has compressed the training into an 8-
or 16-hour session. With the help of the local recruiters, that project became
a reality, thanks to the combined team effort and many hours and days spent
to that end.
Jackson is a member of the Atlanta chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., and
is a traveling speaker.
Region Medical or using your hand.
If you have to relieve blister
By Lt Col Patricia Faunt
pain, drain the fluid but keep the
First aid for overlaying skin intact.
your blisters
You can do this by: First
With our beau- Washing Your Hands then swab
tiful spring the affected area with rubbing al-
weather many cohol or iodine. Sterilize a needle
people are out- by wiping it with rubbing alcohol,
side hiking or then puncture your blister and let
gardening and, if the fluid drain. Remember don’t
we aren’t careful,
remove the overlying skin.
blisters may occur. Mainly friction
and burns cause blisters. Apply an antibiotic ointment to
the blister and cover with a band-
If your blister is not very painful aid or gauze pad. When the blister
try to keep it intact, that unbroken starts to heal use sterilized scissors
skin acts as a barrier to bacteria to cut away the dead skin. Again
and decreases your risk of infec- apply ointment and a dressing. If
tion. You can cover a small blister you see pus, redness or your pain
with a Band-Aid. A larger blister increases this may be a sign of
may require a plastic coated gauze infection and it’s time to see your
pad that will absorb the moisture physician.
and allow it to breathe. Try not to
puncture a blister unless it’s pain- Be Aware and Take Care.
ful or prevents you from walking Lt Col Faunt is the SER Nurse Officer
Region ReCAP
New Tennessee Senior Member makes CAP a part of
his “second chance at life”
By Senior Member John Toucey
Kingsport Tennessee Composite Squadron
My name is John Toucey and I
have just become a member of the
Kingsport Tennessee Composite
Squadron. I’d like to give you
some background on myself, and
tell you what led me to become a
member of the Civil Air Patrol.
I am a 50-year-old (or young)
male and I have always
been interested in anything
that has to do with flying. I
actually started taking fly-
ing lessons back in 1977
and soloed on November
1977. However, my flying
had to take a back seat to
being married and starting a
family so I was about 10
hours short of getting my
license.
Now, fast forward to
May 18, 2004. I was in-
volved in a pretty bad mo-
torcycle accident where a
drunk driver hit me from
behind. I had massive inju-
ries and actually “flat lined” twice
on the way to the hospital. I was a
temporary resident of Cape Fear
Valley Medical Center for over a
month. Due to the injuries I sus-
tained in my legs, I was confined
to a wheelchair for over a year,
and within the last six months I’ve
had to learn how to walk all over
again. I was also medically retired
from my job as a mechanical engi-
Ira Eaker Award presented at TN training exercise
Region ReCAP
neer. I’m sure that everyone has
heard the term “life changing
event” and this was certainly mine.
During my recovery I promised
myself that if I were physically
able to, I would do whatever it
took to obtain my pilot’s license.
Happily I am now within 10 hours
(again!) of reaching that goal and I
intend to keep going until I have
SM John Toucey is close to reaching his
goal of obtaining his pilot’s license.
my CFII rating.
Now I’m sure you’re asking
what this has to do with the Civil
Air Patrol. Well I’ll tell you. My
flight instructor invited me to an
FAA Safety Seminar at the local
college a few months ago, which I
attended. During the seminar two
guest speakers were introduced.
The first one was Maj Bob Evans,
Cadet Lt Col Laura Thiem was
presented the Ira C. Eaker Award
at a TN training weekend held
April 21-23. General Richard
Bowling, former national com-
mander, made the presentation.
Cadet Lt Col Thiem is a freshman
May 2006
and the other was Capt Arlinda
Bailey from the Civil Air Patrol.
The next day I contacted Maj
Evans and inquired about becom-
ing a member and he invited me to
attend a senior meeting. Well I
did, and I was immediately inter-
ested and I thought that not only
would I benefit as a person from
becoming a member, I also felt
that I could contribute to the
squadron.
Now that I am a member, I
have many goals. The two
most important are: 1) to be
able to help other people in
a time of crisis, whether it
be looking for a downed
aircraft, humanitarian relief,
or flying a much needed
organ to someone that will
die without it; and 2) to be
able to teach our cadets how
important it is to focus on
what they are going to do
with their lives now while
they are still young and have
a choice as to what they
want to achieve. I’ll be the
first to admit that I lived my
younger days for the moment, and
I wish I had done things differ-
ently as a young adult.
If I can take my life’s experi-
ences and pass them on to a young
cadet, maybe he or she will find
their passions earlier in life and
won’t need to have a “wake-up
call” to follow their dreams.
at the University of Tennessee ma-
joring in Nuclear Engineering. She
grew up in Richmond, VA, and
joined CAP in 2001. Her goal is to
graduate from UT and join the
Navy to continue her education in
the Navy Nuclear Power program.
7
Training Training Training Training Training Training Training Train

Group 1 TNWG holds SAREX

By 1st Lt Donald Miller

One hundred of the more than 1,000 adult and youth members in East Ten-
nessee Squadrons gathered at Keith McCord’s farm south of Maryville, Tenn.,
for an emergency search and rescue training exercise Apr. 21 to 23, 2006.
This event included several subject matter experts on the teaching staff, in-
cluding Stan Brock, former host of television’s Wild Kingdom and now direc-
tor of Remote Area Medical, and University of Tennessee LifeStar staff.
The SAR training exercise included all aspects of emergency search and res- Photo by Capt Steve Riccio

cue work including helicopter operations, land navigation, first aid, canine The target “airplane” can be seen in
search team, shelter building, mission paperwork, radio communications, joint the lower right corner of the photo

AL Target
air crew/ground team coordination, and electronic direction finding. Both cadet
and senior members attended the training and camped out on the farm.
1st Lt Miller is the TN WG Group 1 IG and acting PAO

Practice
Huntsville Composite Squad-
ron and Redstone Composite
Squadron held a training mission
on Apr. 22, 2006. A practice ELT
and target was set out for ground
teams and air crews. After class-
room training, four air sorties
were briefed and dispatched. Two
ground teams also searched for
and found the target. “This was a
good day for training” was the
general comment from all crews
Demonstrations and training were performed by K-9 search teams and LifeStar and missions staff.

In and Around the Region

Capt Dunlop gives O-Ride Cadet Promoted Academy Student Shares

Capt Bob Dunlop runs through aircraft
inspection with C/A1C Kevin Holliday and
C/AB Brittany Fraize before Cadet
O-Ride outside Sowell Air Services
at Panama City Airport.
Col Joe Callahan, 347th Rescue Wing
commander, promotes Cadet Douglas
White to C/2nd Lt with Cadet White’s
father, Master Sgt (retired) Richard White.
Photo by 1st Lt Kay Van Doren
Beth Pershing, a freshman at the USAF
Academy in Colorado Springs and a 2005
graduate of Lely High from Marco Island,
speaks to CAP cadets about the academy.
Photo by Marci Elliot / Marco Eagle

8 May 2006 Region ReCAP

ning Training Training Training Training Training Training

Calling it in, RECON April Fool’s SAREX is

training in Tampa
Photo by 1 Lt Corey Halaychik
During RECON team training in Tampa, FL, 1st Lt
John Clark calls in an impact assessment report while
RECON Team Leader 1st Lt Ken Leidy observes.
Students who participated in the RECON Team
training not only learned proper radio procedures but
also put their newly learned skills to good use during
the weekend’s culminating exercise.
no joke
By SM Jack Payne
On April 1,
2006, members
from Groups 4, 6
and 9 attended an
Air Search and
Rescue exercise Photo by SM Karen Goodner
hosted by the Treasure Coast Composite Squadron in
Ft. Pierce, FL. Even though it was “April Fools Day,”
it was no joking matter, as 33 members were briefed
on a possible mid-air collision involving two aircraft
the day before with multiple ELT beacons alerting in a
three county area.
Trainees for mission scanner, observer and other
specialties received direct one-on-one instruction.
“Training is the key to all of our Civil Air Patrol mis-
sions,” stated Capt James Kirkland of Treasure Coast
Composite Squadron. “We train hoping we don’t have
to use these skills, but knowing that sooner or later we
will. Training gives us the confidence to take on a mis-
sion knowing that we can do the work and return
safely home to our communities and families.”
Cadets from the Treasure Coast Composite Squad-
ron assisted senior members in setting up the briefing
room, manning the mission update board, and marshal-
ling, refueling, and tying down aircraft.

News and Events of Note to the SER

1/4 Scale Model Gets Exposure
Okeechobee Composite SquadronDeputy
Commander 2nd Lt Joseph Papasso
stands with the scaled down CAP Cessna
at an April fundraiser/recruitment day at a
local Wal-Mart Supercenter in Florida.
Squadron 210 Washes and Waxes
Ormond Beach, FL, Squadron 210 keeps
their aircraft “spit and polished” by fre-
quent cleaning days which are great fun
and a great way to keep assets in tip-top
shape. Photo by Maj Ted Yeazel
Symbolic Check Presented to GAWG
Moody AFB Composite Squadron cadets
attended a Recognition Ceremony April 27
as Outstanding Volunteer Team winners.
The check shows how much the group would
be worth monetarily in hours served.

Region ReCAP May 2006 9

CAP—On the air at 32nd Annual Sun ’n Fun
By 1st Lt Robert Gibson
It was a full day of radio inter-
views and photo opportunities for
the Civil Air Patrol at the 2006
Sun ’n Fun Fly-In. With the SER-
FL 274 Polk County Composite
Squadron’s media team making
arrangements with on-site radio
shows, and the staff of the Civil
Air Patrol Florida Wing, the day
went something like this:
At 7:30 a.m. (Drive Time), Capt
Wynn Watson, Group 3
Deputy Commander/ GP
800 School Program Offi-
cer for GP 3-Polk County,
started the day with a live
on-the-air 30 minute radio
interview with Talk 1430
WLKF “Mayhem in the
AM” hosted by Brian
Bruchey and
Mark Stevens; with Erica
Smith at the Sun ’n Fun
Media House.
Capt Watson was inter-
viewed about the three
new 800 School programs
coming to the Polk County School
Systems, with special emphasis on
the Summerlin Academy Cadet
Squadron at Bartow High School,
SER-FL-823, Polk County Com-
posite Squadron SER-FL-274 that
meets at the Lakeland Armory,
and Civil Air Patrol programs in
general.
Talk 1430 WLKF Radio’s
“Mayhem in the AM” show is
heard throughout the Polk County
Radio Market.
Around 9:00 a.m., Col Daniel
“Dan” Levitch, FLWG Com-
mander, Col Eileen L. Parker,
FLWG Vice Commander, and
Marie Neese, NHQ Membership
Development Coordinator, arrived
at the Fly-In to do interviews and
work the displays, and meet with
Fly-In visitors. Eric Wentworth, a
volunteer professional photogra-
10
pher, joined the team to take pho-
tos throughout the day.
As NHQ Membership Develop-
ment Coordinator, Ms. Neese also
explained CAP programs to the
general public and helped explain
the new National Squadron Pro-
gram to ex-members that did not
necessarily want to join a squad-
ron, but still wanted to support
Civil Air Patrol in general.
When 11:00 a.m. came around,
Civil Air Patrol is “On The Air”
Col Levitch did a 15-minute on-air
radio interview on the Sun ’n Fun
Radio, WLKF, 1510AM with ra-
dio commentators Trip Barnett and
Dave Shalbetten. They talked
about the Gippsland GA-8 Airvan
with the new Archer System that
Florida Wing will be receiving,
and how it will improve operations
in Florida in the 21st.Century.
They also talked about CAP’s
role in Disaster work during the
Hurricanes in the last two
years, as well as what other
programs CAP can offer
cadets and senior members.
CAP was again slated for
an 11:30 a.m. show, and L.
Col John Lynn, FLWG
Aerospace Education Direc-
tor, and Capt Wynn Watson,
Group 3 Deputy Commander
Group 800 School Program
May 2006
Officer, did another 15-minute on-
air radio interview on the Sun ’n
Fun Radio, WLKF, 1510 AM with
radio commentator Trip Barnett.
Lt Col Lynn explained all the fun
activities at the Sun ’n Fun Fly-In
for youngsters at the EAA Youth
Activities Tent and what CAP has
to offer today’s youth in Aero-
space programs. Capt Watson
talked about the new 800 School
Program coming to the Polk
County School System and how it
will impact students.
Right before the afternoon Air
Show started, Col John E Tilton,
Southeast Region Commander,
flew in from Alabama to take in
the Fly-In, and was immediately
recruited to do a radio interview
with Barnett.
They talked about the role that
Civil Air Patrol has taken through-
out the Southeast Region (AL, FL,
GA, MS, PR, TN) during the past
years in disaster relief, Aerospace
Education, and other cadet and
senior programs that Civil Air Pa-
trol has to offer.
Sun ’n Fun Radio, WLKF, 1510
AM was heard live throughout the
Fly-In, reaching some 25,000 visi-
tors daily, as well as being trans-
mitted within a five mile area of
the Airport. All commentators re-
ceived the SER-FL 274 Polk
County Composite Squadron Patch
with the Civil Air Patrol Silver
Pen Holder in appreciation for
their great support.
Region ReCAP
CAP plays part in 2006 Sun ’n Fun Fly-In
By Capt Scott Cochran In one fairly typical example, a
Every year thousands of aircraft radio call came in reporting that an
descend on the Lakeland airport Aero Commander aircraft belong-
for the annual Sun-n-Fun fly-in. ing to the National Oceanic and
This year’s event was held Apr. 4- Atmospheric Administration
10, but the planning and organiz- (NOAA) had been due to arrive at
ing had been going on for a long 2:53 p.m., but had not been heard
time. With so many airplanes, heli- from. After learning that a landing
copters, and other types of aircraft had in fact been logged for the
in one place, keeping track of who specific tail number in question,
is coming and going is no easy the ground-based CAP team led by
matter. Making sure that arrivals Lt Geollner soon located the air-
and departures are tracked, and plane eastbound on a nearby taxi- 2nd Lt Len Geollner, Incident
way. Other searches were more Commander, listens to an incoming
that overdue aircraft are found, is
“overdue aircraft” radio call. Along
the job of the Civil Air Patrol. elaborate, requiring close searches
with Lt Col McConnell, Lt Goellner led
Calls came in every day, re- of multiple ramp areas where hun- a team which tracked and located
porting incidents of “overdue air- dreds of airplanes were parked. arriving flights throughout the week.
craft.” These were usually flights The volume of activity kept the
into Lakeland which had filed a team very busy each day. In the
flight plan and then neglected to first three days of the show, the play a central role in planning and
close the flight plan upon arrival. CAP team logged 982 aircraft arri- executing the Civil Air Patrol mis-
The result is that the aircraft is vals, and worked 11 overdue air- sion for next year’s Sun-n-Fun air
considered missing until it is craft before noon. show as well.
physically located. Squadron FL-310 will no doubt

New L-Per tested at Fly-In

During Sun ’n Fun, several the box, antennas positioned, and
members of FLWG had the oppor- the first bearing had been taken.
Photo by 1st Lt Gene Floyd

tunity to try out the The team members quickly dis-

newest L-Per from covered one of the first
Photo by 2 Lt Len Goellner

LTRONICS. MSgt benefits of the newest

Scott Jung was anx-
ious to get the oppor-
tunity to try out the
new unit. The oppor-
Fifteen members of the Talla- tunity came on Apr.
hassee Composite Squadron 7, 2006 while he was
joined up with eight members of assisting with the MSgt Scott Jung with
the Lake City Cadet Squadron CAP Sun ’n Fun sup- new LTronics L-Per
and made the trek to Lakeland, port mission. The
Fla., for Sun ‘n Fun. They tent- team, comprised of team leader 2
camped in the main camp- Lt Goellner, 1st Lt Dobbins and
ground, and paid their way into MSgt Jung, got the call at 12:59
the fly-in by performing several from the base communications
hours of community service a post that an ELT signal had been
day by checking armbands at detected on the field.
the gates or standing watch over
The team broke out the new L-
the F-22 Raptor. Above, they
Per and went into action. Within
are with the fighter and its pilot,
two minutes the L-Per was out of
USAF Lt Col Wade Tolliver.
direction finding (DF)
unit was in not having to
put together the old
wooden mast antenna
system of older mod-
els. Instead, it is a simple
step of folding out the
four antennas from the
body of the LPER, turn-
ing it out, and going right to work.
At 1:17, just 18 minutes later,
the team made the call to mission
base “ELT located and deacti-
vated.” Eighteen minutes from
first detection to deactivation!
It was a record-setting pace and
a fantastic experience for the team
with the newest DF technology.

Region ReCAP May 2006 11

Administration
By Lt Col Evelyn Holdren
Nondiscrimination in Federally
Assisted Programs
This regulation assigns responsibil-
ity and prescribes procedures to effec-
tuate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (PL88-
352). It supplements Department of Defense (DOD)
Directive 5500.11, Nondiscrimination in Federally
Assisted Programs, DOD Directive 1020.1, Nondis-
crimination on the basis of Handicap in Programs and
Activities Assisted or conducted by the Department of
Defense, and AFR 30-12, Nondiscrimination in Feder-
ally Assisted Programs. It applies to all units of the
Civil Air Patrol.
Background of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is given
covering fact that no person in the United States shall,
on grounds of race, color, or national origin be denied
benefits or otherwise subjected to discrimination un-
der any program or activity receiving federal financial
assistance. Also the act requires that rules, regulations,
or orders of general applicability must be approved by
the President before they become effective. The regu-
lation further states that DOD Directive 5500.11 was
approved and published in the Federal Register. Addi-
tionally, Directive 1020.1 is described and states
handicapped persons shall not be discriminated
against.
The regulation states that region and wing com-
manders are responsible for implementing and enforc-
ing DOD Directive 5500.11 and 1020.1. It is required
that Wing and Region headquarters will maintain and
make available copies of same so that they can be re-
viewed upon request of any CAP member. Also they
will maintain records necessary to ascertain compli-
ance with the directives.
Also stated is who at NHQ is responsible for overall
monitoring the program including Air Force agencies
or who is making periodic review of CAP policies and
practices.
The DCS, Logistics monitors acquisition of excess
property or surplus property. The Staff Judge Advo-
cate is made responsible for hearings as stated in XC
DOD Directive 5500.11. Also covered is the role of
wing and region commanders regarding compliance
with this regulation and attachments during inspec-
tion. Wing and region commanders are responsible to
the Director of Personnel at NHQ.
All need to be aware of the SER Commander’s pol-
icy letter dated Feb. 11, 2006 regarding CAPR 39-1,
nondiscrimination in these programs.

GAWG Cadets Scholarships

Get Fit
Submitted by 1st Lt Kay Van Doren
Physical Fitness is an important
part of the Civil Air Patrol pro-
gram, all cadets must pass their
level of physical fitness in order to
promote to the next cadet rank,
this includes a mile run or shuttle
run, three count push ups, curl-
ups, sit and reach for flexibility.
Pictured below, Moody AFB
Composite Squadron members
prepare to run the first lap together
as a unit.
awarded
Cadet Capt
Matthew Bai-
ley was re-
cently
awarded a
CAP Corpo-
rate Scholar-
ship for $250.
He has been an active member
of the Kingsport Composite
Squadron, TNWG, since July.
He is currently serving as Ca-
det Commander and Cadet
ESO. Bailey is attending East
Cadet 2nd Lt Julien J.
Tennessee State University and
Jimenez, of the Dr. Cesareo
majoring in chemistry. Future
Rosa Nieves Cadet Squadron,
plans are to attend medical
PR-123, was awarded the Col
school, specializing in trauma
Clara Livingston Scholarship
surgery, and wants to become a
Apr. 29, 2006 by the Puerto
Combat Surgeon in the Air
Rico Wing Scholarship Com-
Force.
mittee.

12 May 2006 Region ReCAP

Exclusive to
CAP Cadets!
Register by June 1, 2006 for a 6-
Day, 8-Day, or 13-Day summer ses-
sion of Space Camp®, Space Acad-
emy®, Advanced Space Academy®,
Aviation Challenge® Mach I, Mach
II, or Mach III at the US Space &
Rocket Center, Huntsville, AL, and
save $150 Off Tuition! Or Bring A
Buddy* and Each of You Saves
$200 Off Tuition! (Must attend
camp between May 21-August 25)
These offers are not available for
Parent/Child, Adult, Educator or
Group Programs. Cannot be applied
to $50 non-refundable registration
fee and cannot be used in conjunc-
tion with any other discount.
To join the SPACE CAMP CAP
e-mail list to receive discounts, e-
mail blakem@spacecamp.com
1-800-241-5104 Please reference
Source Code CAP06
*Does not apply to friends already
registered, must be new registrations
You do not have to register for the same
program or the same session to qualify.
Earhart presented at ALWG Conference
By Maj Patricia Mitcham
C/Capt Chester Kraft received
his Earhart Award at the Alabama
Wing Conference, April 29, 2006.
The Amelia Earhart Award is
earned after completing the first
eleven achievements of the cadet
program and after receipt of the
General Billy Mitchell Award. In
addition, the cadet must pass an
arduous 100-question examination
testing aerospace topics, leadership
theory and staff topics.. This ad-
vanced award is only earned by the
most diligent of cadets, who truly
care about Civil Air Patrol and their
part in it.
Cadet Kraft is a native of Colo-
rado Springs, Colorado and moved
Region ReCAP
April SER SM Awards
Gill Robb Wilson Award
Maj Ernest C. Manzano, SER
Paul E. Garber Award
Maj David J. Sweeney, FL
Lt Col Steven P. Schultz, FL
Maj Bennon L. Prine, GA
Capt Thomas K. Riddle, MS
Grover Loening Award
Capt James L. Smiley, AL
1st Lt Leslie N. Ballard, FL
Lt Col Rogers A. Porter, FL
Capt Felix D. Diaz, GA
Capt L. Paige Joyner, GA
1st Lt Ensor J. Lopez, PR
Capt Constance J. Harrison, TN
Maj Timothy S. Waddell, TN
Brig. Gen. Charles E. “Chuck”
Yeager Aerospace Education Award Maj Jack E. Mullinax, TN
SM Lisa A. Albero, FL
2nd Lt. Richard H. Gaylord, FL
1st Lt. John I Hendricks, Jr., FL 2nd Lt Joshua Steinert, TN
Capt Scott M. Martin, FL
SM Jeffrey J. Maturo, FL
to Huntsville, AL in July 1994. He
has played Little League Baseball
and has played in the Babe Ruth
League for four years. He joined
Civil Air Patrol in 2003 and was
named Squadron Cadet of the Year
in 2005. He was the Honor Cadet at
his first encampment and a member
of the Honor Flight at his second
one. He graduates from High
School this year. Home schooled
under the educational program of
the North Alabama Friends School,
he received nominations to West
Point and the Air Force Academy.
He has received offers of scholar-
ships from University of Alabama,
Huntsville; Birmingham Southern;
and Embry Riddle Aeronautical
May 2006
SM Helmut V. Seidl, FL
1st Lt Gene W. Smith, FL
2nd Lt Mary Anne Varda, FL
2nd Lt Lucien A. Varda, FL
SM Dimpna G. Waldinger, FL
Maj Raymond J. Waldinger, FL
SM Francisco J. Zangerolame, FL
1st Lt Eric R. Diaz, PR
1st Lt. Alexis T. Fernandez, PR
1st Lt. Rachel Cotto Gee, PR
SM Kenneth Lozano, PR
Capt Tirso F. Pena, PR
Capt Rafael Sanchez, PR
SM Gerald L. Bailey, TN
2nd Lt Kent Bankhead, TN
SM Vera Blair, TN
SM George R. Borsari, III, TN
Lt Col John A. Humphries, TN
SM David M. Newman, TN
SM Tanya Southerland, TN
SM Colettea Taylor, TN
Maj Alvis M. Winkler, Jr., TN
University,
Prescott
Campus.
Offers of a
four year
Army
ROTC full
scholarship
at Embry
Riddle Pres- L to R: Col John Tilton,
cott, and a SER Commander,
three year C/Capt Kraft, Col
Mike Oakman,
AFROTC ALWG Commander
Scholarship
give him additional choices for his
future. He is the son of Harold and
Barbara Kraft of Huntsville, AL.
Maj Mitcham is the ALWG PAO
13

April SER
Cadet Awards
Gen. Carl A. Spaatz Award
• Andrew P. Anderson, #1600, FL
• Quinton J. Fenley, #1599, FL
Gen. Ira C. Eaker Award
• Laura A. Thiem, TN
Amelia Earhart Award
• Stephanie A. Petelos, AL
• Michael A. Van Doren, GA
• Jeremy B. Locke, MS
• Joshua C. Locke, MS
• Luis J. Aponte, PR
• Fernando Class, PR
• Erick X. Simons, PR
• Justin W. Frazee, TN
Gen. Billy Mitchell Award
• Jonathan R. Ernest, AL
• Javier A. Acosta, FL
• Michael J. Ates, FL
• Joshua A. Baber, FL
• Andrew D. Bolin, FL
• Patrick K. Collins, FL
• Lee A. Douglas, FL
• George J. Johnson, FL
• Thomas B. Lynch, FL
• Giulio C. Rottaro, FL
• George A. Sterner, FL
• Nicholas R. Wesner, FL
• Ravic G. Blake, GA
• Timothy R. Colquitt, GA
• Justin A. Greer, GA
• Ben J. Peterson, GA
• Douglas F. White, GA
• Samuel J. Cormier, TN
• Brian P. Frazier, TN
• Eric J. McCrery, TN
• Marcos G. More, TN
• Ryan W. Vradenburgh, TN
14
Public Affairs
By 1st Lt Kelly Green Sharkey
As Public Affairs Officers, we
need to understand that there are
three types of
communication
we provide: inter-
nal, external, and
mixed.
External is, of
course, all infor-
mation we pro-
vide to those out-
side CAP… citizens, political lead-
ers, news organizations, neighbors.
Anyone who is a potential member
or supporter (whether financially
or by helping to spread the word
about all we do), is external to the
organization. Materials to this
group should include the
“obvious,” and assume, every time,
that these readers or viewers have
never heard of “C,” “A,” or “P.”
It is for that reason that press
releases from National contain a
consistent closing paragraph that
details our basic purpose as an or-
ganization:
Civil Air Patrol, the official auxil-
iary of the U.S. Air Force, is a non-
profit organization with almost 60,000
members nationwide. It performs 95%
of continental U.S. inland search and
rescue missions as tasked by the Air
Force Rescue Coordination Center.
Volunteers also perform homeland
security, disaster relief and counter-
drug missions at the request of federal,
state and local agencies. The members
take a leading role in aerospace edu-
cation and serve as mentors to the
almost 25,000 young people currently
participating in CAP cadet programs.
CAP has been performing missions for
America for more than 60 years. For
more information please see
www.flwg.cap.gov and www.cap.gov
Press releases from squadron
PAOs should contain this informa-
tion, but can also include some-
thing personal about your unit. Of
course you want to share the pur-
poses of the organization, as a
whole, but a release about some-
May 2006
thing going on in your “neck of the
woods” should have a mission
statement that is distinct to the spe-
cialties of your unit and your peo-
ple. As I’ve said many times be-
fore, our job as PAOs is to give a
well-deserved pat on the back to
the people with whom we work.
Feel free to write out your basic
purposes and strengths to share in
outgoing, external, publications.
Internal communications are
those things which fellow members
will see: emails, memos, letters.
Each of these will not have to
“spell out” all CAP purposes on
each and every page, but need to
provide enough information for
new members or external eyes that
happen to pick them up, enough
direction on how to find out more.
There are items that fall into a
“both” category, for example web
pages and newsletters.
Because these are primarily for
an internal audience, authors
wouldn’t necessarily put the pur-
pose paragraph in each document
or web page. There should, how-
ever, be some way for a reader to
find additional information,
whether it is a web link, or a phone
number, or an accompanying bro-
chure or fact sheet.
Some units divide the web mas-
ter position and newsletter editor
into two jobs. When these func-
tions are performed by two per-
sons, they should work closely to-
gether, as each has an opportunity
to disseminate information to a
wide variety of persons, but in dif-
ferent ways and they need to pro-
vide a consistent message.
Whether you speak to an inter-
nal, external, or mixed audience in
your PAO duties, make sure you
share the joys of volunteer service.
Perhaps it will encourage addi-
tional participation, or create a new
interest. Either way, within, or
without, we have an exiting mes-
sage to share!
1st Lt Sharkey is the SER PAO Director
Region ReCAP
Learning CAP history en route to sharing it
By Capt James L. Shaw was able to get it for the historical display for the whole
A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of attending the day. The next would be Lt Col Bill Schell, who is the
Georgia Wing Conference at Jekyll Island. I had been National Curator and what I call the “Keeper of CAP”
looking forward to going and setting up the historical historical items. He drove all the way from Aberdeen,
display I have been creating for the past couple of years. MD, to bring us a large portion of the CAP collection.
I was also happy that my entire family was going as My friend and fellow CAP historian Lt Col Todd Engle-
well. My son Kaleb has been a cadet for the past six men from Warner Robbins GA, brought along his per-
months and this would be his sonal collection (one of the larg-
first. My wife Michelle and est private collections known) to
youngest son Killian, 6, were the conference for all to see.
also going to enjoy the pool and I also want to give a special
scenery. thanks to Lt Col Ben Stone, who
A few weeks prior to this I so patiently fielded questions
had been contacted by Col Don from many members of the con-
Greene about the widow of the ference about his 64 year history
first GAWG Commander, Col with CAP and made me laugh
Winship Nunnally. Through his many times. Last but not least is
assistance and Capt Tonya Boy- Lt Col Berry Herrin who brought
lan I was able to speak with her along some great pictures to
briefly about her husband. We share with me and other mem-
set up a meeting on Apr. 7, on bers. The national collection dis-
my way to the wing conference. played over 100 feet of patches
I had the opportunity to speak and insignia along the walls and
with Mrs. Adair Pizer about her covered six eight-foot tables with
late husband and his activities wings and uniform items. Lt Col
(she remarried after Nunnally’s Englemen’s collection covered
passing). She did not know about three eight-foot tables as well as
his specific activities in CAP the surrounding floor area and
other than he was contacted by Colonel Winship Nunnally was the first com- mine covered about the same.
the governor at that time and mander of GAWG, 65 years ago During this time we were also
asked to start the GAWG. She given several items for the col-
had five very nice pictures of lection by various members.
him in uniform to give me and was very inquisitive As part of my effort to spread CAP history I passed
about CAP. out over 100 CAP graphic CDs to Wing, Group, and
I wanted to share this not just because it was about Squadron Commanders to use for websites and anything
CAP but about the kind of people we had and have sup- they deemed necessary. We also collected almost $300
th
porting it from its initial charter to its 65 year. Mrs. in donations for the Historical Foundation by having
Pizer was a very nice lady who spoke like a true south- copies of the book From Maine to Mexico available to
ern bell and had a deep level of respect for our organiza- participants.
tion and did not mind entertaining my kids at the same I would like to make a special effort to thank some
time. others who had a great impact on how much I enjoyed
She and her son have Col Nunnally’s uniforms and the conference: Lt Gen Kehoe, Maj Gen Pineda, Col
plan to donate them to the CAP Historical Foundation. I John Tilton, Lt Col Valerie Brown, Lt Col Pat Faunt,
plan on interviewing her again a little further about his Col Don Greene, Col Heredia and most of all my family.
life after CAP and his other contributions to society. To close it out I owe a lot of thanks to Col Len Blas-
covich (National Historian) who helps guide my some-
The historical display at the conference was FAN-
times over enthusiastic energy in the right direction
TASTIC! I have a few people to thank for their efforts.
and nominated me for the Exceptional Service Award I
First in line is the great cooperation of Capt Tonya Boy-
received.
lan who supplied a room for the entire day. Usually
Capt Shaw is the Assistant National Historian, SER Historian, and
these rooms are used for the breakout sessions but she Commander, GA-805.

Region ReCAP May 2006 15

Operations
By Lt Col David E. Lehtonen
Continuing our
series from Tony
Kern’s book enti-
tled Darker Shades
of Blue – the
Rogue Pilot, we
move to Australia
where an accident investigator
uncovers another rogue military
pilot during an investigation into
a crash site where this pilot com-
mitted his final rogue act.
Doug Edwards, a senior mili-
tary officer and fighter pilot of
the Royal Australian Air Force
(RAAF), was called upon to head
a Court of Inquiry into the events
surrounding the fatal crash. Join-
ing him on the team was another
pilot, a medical officer, an aero-
nautical engineer and a psycholo-
gist, someone knowledgeable
about human factors.
As the team investigated the
crash scene some thirty miles
from the base, it was apparent
that the Mirage aircraft at the
impact point was quite slow and
happened just five minutes after
takeoff with a heavy fuel load. It
was quickly determined that the
final maneuver was a spin at
slow speed because the intact
radar nose cone was buried in the
sand after breaking off at the first
point of contact, indicating the
aircraft hit nose down, inverted
and nearly vertical as it would
have after one-half rotation of a
spin.
This hypothesis was confirmed
by two observers on the ground.
They reported that the Mirage
pitched up and entered a steep
banked turn and disappeared into
clouds reemerging a few mo-
ments later still banked and div-
ing steeply and attempting to re-
cover. The weather was reported
as occasional showers with cloud
bases at 800 feet and tops at
16
12,000 feet. On examination of
the wreckage, every control rod
was intact discounting any me-
chanical failure. So what hap-
pened?
It turns out that Tom, the mis-
hap pilot, was practicing for an
upcoming airshow and he was to
be the solo display pilot. Accord-
ing to other pilot accounts later
that day, Tom projected the im-
age of the superior pilot having
been an instructor at the Central
Flying School (CFS) teaching
pilots to be instructors. There, he
instructed in the Mirage and one
of the pilots that was interviewed
had gone through the CFS course
while Tom was there, stating that
Tom was arrogant in the way he
flew. He was obsessed with fly-
ing low, at one point flying so
low over a lake that he could see
a wake in the water even though
the low altitude limit by regula-
tion was 150 feet.
Further the pilot said he did
this all the time. Another pilot
commented that Tom was the
solo display pilot
at another base and
on the show day
the cloud bases
were at about 2000
feet and the flight
of six jets – the
entire Macchi
show team – flew a
loop one-third of
which was totally
in the clouds! And
the performance
was witnessed by
the base com-
mander and senior
officers, yet nothing was said to
Tom or to the show team.
In fact, he historically had no
supervisor as the senior pilots
deferred to him because of his
excellent pilot reputation. During
the proceedings however, it was
discovered from other pilot wit-
nesses that were called that Tom
May 2006
often practiced aerobatic maneu-
vers through clouds. But most of
his recent experience was in the
Macchi and most likely during
Mirage flight he was attempting a
Macchi sized barrel roll that can
be accomplished in 2000 feet.
The only problem was that a Mi-
rage takes three times that alti-
tude to accomplish!
When he realized how low he
was he attempted to recover and
nearly made it, brushing the tops
of the trees in his flight path.
However, the vegetation from the
trees causes a flame out and he
stalled straight in at a slow speed.
In the final human factors
analysis of this accident, Tom
displayed an ongoing lack of re-
gard for regulations and in fact,
his previous history exhibited all
of the rogue characteristics de-
fined by Col Kern. He believed
he was incapable of making er-
rors in judgment and his utter
disdain for following the rules
led him to his fatal demise.
Remember Kern’s
definition that a
rogue pilot is undis-
ciplined, placing
their own egos above
everything else,
thereby putting
themselves and eve-
ryone they fly with
in jeopardy.
We as Civil Air
Patrol pilots have a
great responsibility
to not only recognize
rogue behavior in
ourselves and others
but also, to take cor-
rective action when this behavior
pops up. Next month we move to
the early days of aviation in the
Soviet Union where we will try
to define the line between safe
and aggressive flying and rogue
flying.
David E. Lehtonen is the SER Director
of Operations
Region ReCAP
Bessemer Composite Squadron boasts two
service academy appointees
By Maj Jimmie Cox
What do an Alabama Air Force
Academy appointee for class of
2010, and an Alabama West Point
appointee for the class of 2010
have in common?
Well for starters, they are both
ALWG CAP cadets and even
more, they are both the present and
past commanders of the Bessemer
Composite Squadron (AL-087).
Cadet Majors Jamie DeSpain and
Erinn Scott have each been se-
lected to attend our nation’s ser-
vice academies.
Cadet Jamie DeSpain, who is
scheduled to graduate from Hoo-
ver High School this spring, has
been in CAP for the past 3½ years.
He is the past commander of ca-
dets of the Bessemer Composite
Squadron. DeSpain said, “I had
always aspired to go into the mili-
tary, ever since I was very young,
and when I found out what CAP
was, I immediately jumped at the
idea. Right after that first meeting
I joined CAP and hoped that it
would somewhat prepare me for
the leadership challenges and the
military-style life that I hoped to
face later on at the Academy. I
definitely feel that CAP has pre-
pared me for West Point and for
that I will be forever indebted to
the organization.”
DeSpain loves history and is
“forever indebted to those men
who have given their lives to make
mine free.” He wants to give back
some of his life to his country.
Says DeSpain, “I believe that the
Academy is the best route for
which to do that. I also believe that
an officer is the best form of leader
there is and I know the Academy
can turn me into the best officer I
can be.” He chose West Point be-
Region ReCAP
cause, having come from two gen-
erations of Army officers, he was
already familiar with the lifestyle.
West Point also fit his career
goals. “I plan to branch in the In-
fantry, go to Ranger School and
become an Airborne Ranger. My
ultimate goal is to become Chief
of Staff of the Army. Plus, the his-
tory of West Point and the type of
men who have graduated from
there was a big selling point.
There’s nothing bigger than be-
coming part of the Long Gray
Line.”
Cadet Erinn Scott, who is also
planning to graduate this year from
Hoover High School, is the current
cadet commander for the squad-
ron. In her 2½ years of CAP ser- Cadet Majors Erinn Scott and Jamie
vice, some of her past accomplish- DeSpain have both been selected for
service academy appointments
ments include Commander of the
2005 ALWG Color Guard, 2005
ALWG Encampment Squadron
Commander, and Outstanding Ca- Her recommendation for any
det, 2004 MSWG Encampment. cadet who is interested in the ser-
She received multiple academy vice academies is “Start Early!
appointments (West Point/Army, Everything you do, whether in
Annapolis/Navy, and the AF school or CAP or whatever, it
Academy) and she chose the AF counts! Set yourself up for success
Academy over the others. She by working hard; that way, when
said, “I guess the Army and the you are ready to apply you can be
Navy just couldn’t pull me away confident in your accomplish-
from those Air Force blues!” She ments. Make sure you apply at the
adds, “Civil Air Patrol got me in- end of your junior year of High
terested in the Air Force, more School, the earlier the Academy
specifically the Academy. Ever sees your name in their file, the
since my first encampment, I knew better. And don’t get discouraged
I wanted to be a cadet there. I ap- when the letters and the papers and
plied to the Academy because I the reports don’t come – the Air
wanted the challenge, the leader- Force Academy will take a little
ship, the experience, and the pres- longer than the other Academies,
tige. My main concern is that I but it is definitely worth the wait!”
learn the leadership skills neces- Both cadets attribute CAP as a
sary to lead men. I want the people factor in their appointments.
that I lead to want to say, ‘Yeah,
that’s MY commander!’ I want to
be an officer who is respected be-
cause I take care of my people.” Maj Cox is the Bessemer Squadron Cadet
Activities Officer
May 2006 17
Hillsborough One Senior Squadron finds ELT
in boat maze
By Capt Scott Cochran
On the morning of Mar. 1, an
Emergency Locator Transmitter
(ELT) signal was detected in the
vicinity of New Port Richey, north
of Clearwater on Florida’s west
coast. Colonel Dave Lawson and
Capt Scott Cochran were dis-
patched, along with a ground team,
to locate and silence the signal.
Lawson, Cochran, and Lt Len
Goellner, the incident commander,
are all part of the Hillsborough
One Senior Squadron based in
Tampa.
The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) air-
craft is equipped with a Becker
direction finder (DF). Using the
DF, the air crew quickly found the
general area of the signal, and be-
gan flying a grid pattern to isolate
the signal. The ground below was
filled with boats of all sizes and
shapes, docked behind the many
homes in the neighborhood. On
the sixth pass through the area, the
crew noticed that behind one home
was not a boat, but a small sea-
plane. The aircraft was very likely
the source of the ELT signal.
Directing the ground team was a
challenge because of the way the
neighborhood was built (see
photo). As is common in coastal
areas, the land had been dredged
into “fingers”, so that everyone in
the community could have a wa- able GPS had accidentally been
terfront home. placed on top of an ELT transmit-
The downside for CAP air-to- ter, and its weight had pushed the
ground coordination is that it can ELT’s on/off switch to the “on”
take quite a while to get from one position.
area to another. A ground crew can The lesson learned? Bodies of
be a short straight-line distance water and coastal areas with a lot
from a given spot, and yet it may of boats can also be home to sea-
require some backtracking and a planes, which are good places to
lot of driving to actually get there look for an active ELT. Hillsbor-
by road. ough One Senior Squadron has
After about 30 minutes of cir- responded to over a dozen ELT
cling and maneuvering, the ground calls in the past four months.
crew was directed to the seaplane Capt Cochran is the PAO, Hillsborough
owner’s home, and the ELT was One Senior Squadron
silenced. It turns out that a port-

Squadron holds recognition ceremony

By Capt Jim Smiley Many other
On Apr. 3 2006, Bessemer Composite Squadron awards and
(AL-087) conducted a Member Recognition and recognitions
Awards Ceremony. Colors were posted by Bessemer were handed
Composite Squadron 2006 Color Guard Unit members: out including
C/A1C Charles Deering, C/CMSgt Jeremy Adams Cadet Pro-
(Color Guard Commander), C/CMSgt Amos Elmore, grams Officer
and C/TSgt John Fuller. The unit also includes C/A1C of the Year to
Jordan Box who was unable to attend. Capt. Teresa
The 2006 Color Guard unit brought great credit and Petelos, Com-
The Color Guard accepts a cake
distinction to its squadron by competing in the 2006 municator of at the ceremony
Alabama Wing Cadet Competition and winning first the Year to Lt
place standing in every event. A big poster adorns the Rosalind Fazel, Cadet of the Year to C/Maj Jamie
squadron building declaring “FOURPEAT!” as this was Spain, and Senior Member of the Year to Lt Darryl
the fourth consecutive year Bessemer Cadets won the Barry. Commander’s Commendations were awarded to
ALWG competition. The Color Guard Cadets are affec- C/Maj Jamie DeSpain, C/CMSgt Jeremy Adams, C/Lt
tionately referred to as the squadron’s “Shining Stars” Devin Adams, C/Lt Philip Ronan, C/CMSgt Amos
for their efforts, and a cake appropriately decorated Emore and C/Capt Erinn Scott.
with stars and their names was presented to them at the Capt Smiley is the Bessemer Composite Squadron Commander
ceremony.
18 May 2006 Region ReCAP
Clay County Flight gets community involved in
Aerospace Education Day
By 2nd Lt Sherry McCain
On Apr. 15, when many people
were up in the air about their
taxes, members of Clay County
Flight were flying high. The
local CAP unit hosted an
aerospace education day at
the Ashland/Lineville airport.
The goal of the day was to
inform the public of the im-
portance of general aviation
to our nation as well as to our
local economy.
Many people are unaware
of the impact that general
aviation has on a commu-
nity’s growth potential and
economic security. Even
fewer Alabama’s citizens are
aware of the significant im-
pact that Alabama has had on the
development of aviation technol-
ogy or that Alabama has been a
national leader in many aerospace
related fields from the very begin-
ning. The first civilian pilot train-
ing program in the nation was de-
veloped in Alabama by the Wright
Cadet thanks CAP supporter for contribution
By 1st Lt John Clark
When Cadet Matt Clark as-
sumed the responsibility as Cadet
Commander of Okeechobee one of
his greatest challenges was finding
funds for needed materials. The
squadron was formed 11 months
ago and did not have any awards
or parade items for the cadet pro-
gram. As cadets began to promote,
the squadron lacked the awards.
“The last thing you want is to wait
for your award,” said Cadet Clark.
Clark’s father, 1st Lt John
Clark, suggested that Clark pro-
vide a list of material and pricing
for supplies the squadron needed.
Upon completion, Lt Clark initi-
Region ReCAP
brothers at the site of what is now
Maxwell Air Force Base in Mont-
gomery and the dedication of Ala-
bamians in Huntsville made the
Nine-year-old Tamie McCain enjoys a ride in a vintage
Ercoupe with Lt Col Johnny Ward during the AE day
manned exploration of the moon
possible.
Participants of the AE day had
the opportunity to view videos,
look at displays, and participate in
hands on demonstrations. Alabama
Lifesaver provided a medical heli-
copter and crew to give an up
ated a call to Overseas Service Cor-
poration (OSC), a worldwide mili-
tary brokerage firm supporting U.S.
military personnel and families. Ca-
det Clark took care of the rest. OSC
president, Paul Hogan, spoke with
him. Mr. Hogan was a Marine Cap-
tain and was already familiar with
the CAP mission. When Cadet Clark
proposed the list and asked Mr. Ho-
gan if he could help get the squadron
started, Mr. Hogan, without hesita-
tion, agreed to the proposal and or-
dered a check to be issued in the
amount $1250.00.
Mr. Hogan commended Clark and
the CAP for helping to provide our
1st Lt Clark is the FLWG Group 4 PAO
nation’s future leadership.
May 2006
close look at how general aviation
can affect our lives. Local pilots
allowed visitors to inspect various
types of fixed wing aircraft also.
CAP cadets participated in
cadet orientation rides in a
Civil Air Patrol Cessna 172
and young people not in CAP
had the opportunity to ride in
one of two private airplanes.
Special thanks goes out for the
contributions of local pilot
John Decourcey who provided
his Piper and CAP pilot Lt Col
Johnny Ward who brought his
Ercoupe.
The Shelby and Chilton
County Squadrons supported
Clay County Flight with an
aircraft and pilots. The AE day
was made possible by the contri-
butions of CAP, local citizens, the
support of the Clay County Air-
port Committee and by the Air
Force Association through a grant
from the Aerospace Education
Foundation.
Photo by 1st Lt John Clark
Okeechobee 453rd Composite Squadron
Cadet Commander, C/2 Lt Matt Clark
gives Mr. Paul Hogan a Certificate of
Appreciation for Overseas Service
Corporation’s generous support.
19
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SER Organizational Chart

Col John Tilton

Col Don Greene

1st Lt Kelly Green Sharkey Maj Darrell McCalla

Director, Recruiting Director, Communications

Lt Col Alfonzo Jackson Lt Col Joel Katz

20 May 2006 Region ReCAP